The Companion Cube is one of the most enduring symbols of the Portal franchise. Beyond the game’s idiosyncratic imagery of test subjects cuddling with the thing — and GLaDOS’ encouragement to treat it well — the real-life impact of the Cube can be seen in the endless array of consumableparaphernalia sporting its likeness.

Reasons for our affection are obvious: It’s the only part of Aperture Science that isn’t trying to catapult us toward death. The act of protection creates a bond in all humans. It’s got a cute little heart on it.

Beyond these factors, however, lies an intriguing question: Is the companion cube conscious? The answer may surprise you.

As I begin another playthrough of Portal 2, I realize something I’ve never noticed before: A reference to Schrödinger’s Cat. For a discussion of that concept as applied to Bioshock Infinite, see this post.